What a Guy!

Ron was born in Cornwall, Ontario to Jenny (Price) and George Carson.

Survived by his wife Rose (nee Mastruk) of 54 years, siblings Helen, Floyd, Dot and Ann. Ron is also survived by children Ron (Polly), Judy (Al Newstead), Debra Marie (Jason Strumecki) and John Mowatt (Yaneth). First grandchildren Chad, Gerry and Katelyn, and extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ron left home at 18 years of age to begin his career as a Hudson's Bay Company factor, Northern Stores Division. He was a fur trader, working in isolated areas where the store was not locked. He hunted and fished for fresh food as supplies and mail were delivered just once a year. He met his future wife Rose, a school teacher, in Cumberland House, Sask., another isolated site. He sent her a ring by snail -mail when he was transferred. He then told everyone he ordered her from The Winnipeg Free Press. Ron was then transferred to the Arctic on the coast of Hudson's Bay where the monetary trading system was tokens. He had a pet polar bear cub named Snowball who was later donated to the Winnipeg Zoo. Other unique pets included a snowy owl, a runt lynx, a black bear cub and a timber wolf.

Ron then had a long and rewarding career with Indian Affairs. He valued his time working with First Nations people in BC. He was enriched with many friendships.

After retirement, he and Rose spent 17 years travelling every winter to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and/or Ecuador. They took Spanish lessons in Guatemala in order to converse more effectively with local people -many who have become lifelong friends.

Ron was caring and giving, a big-hearted man. He was like a magnet, drawing children around him everywhere - children who loved him despite often having a fun prank pulled on them. How many kids believed the yarn about his"polar bear bite" on his elbow? Actually a scar of an operation located there.

Ron's interests in later years were gourmet cooking; seafood cocktail was a favorite to many, gardening, carpentry and framing pictures and interfered in so much more.

Ron suffered for a year or more with an undiagnosed disease, identified only in the last two weeks of his life: Multi System Atrophy, for which there is no cure.

We are eternally grateful to friends and neighbors for assisting Ron and Rose through this ordeal. Special thanks to Dr. Dong, Dr. Hollman, Nurses on RIH 4North and Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home.

Ron preferred that there be no service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's memory may be made to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home.

Hearts are red
My love is true
We had a great time
In your life, and mine, too!

-Katelyn (11)